Five Places to Find Your Next Book

Jeanne Peloquin Sep 26, 2016

“What should I read next?” If you’re an avid reader, you have undoubtedly asked yourself this question. Sometimes the answer is as easy as picking up the next book in the series or choosing one from your “must read” list. Sometimes, however, we all get stuck. I find it is particularly difficult to choose a new book when the one I just finished was remarkably good. Luckily, there are many options to help you choose.

Goodreads: Goodreads is a social network for book lovers. It allows you to track, share, and review the books you read, see what your friends are reading, and get insightful recommendations for future reading. Establishing and maintaining a Goodreads account takes a little more work than some other options, but it will pay off if you enjoy the social aspects of the site.

NoveList: NoveList is a service available through GCHRL and GALILEO. To access it from home, visit gchrl.org and choose “EBSCOHOST ACADEMIC RESEARCH” under the “RESOURCES” tab. NoveList has an intuitive interface that lets you browse by genre or search for your favorite books, authors, or keywords.

PINES: When you’re browsing for books at gapines.org, you can find recommendations based on the books you like. Select a book you’ve enjoyed, then scroll down to “Recommended Reads and Reviews.” You’ll find books in the series (when applicable) and recommendations of other books you might enjoy. PINES is especially convenient because you can get suggestions and put your books on hold in just a few clicks.

Page Turner: The Page Turner can be a source for book recommendations every month. You may find that you have similar taste in books to a GCHRL staffer, or you might find something you would never have tried otherwise. Check the back of each issue, or check for the “Staff Selections” poster at your local branch.

A library staffer: I’m going to let you in on the worst-kept secret… people who work in libraries tend to love books. We sometimes also enjoy talking about the books we’ve read. By all means, ask us what we’ve read recently. Ask what’s new and exciting. You might just pick up your new favorite book.

These are just a few of the many book-recommendation options available, but, with these five resources, you’ll never be stuck on what to read next again.